And his name is Talos!!!

Talos...The God of Bronze! We have Gold...Silver... and now Bronze!!!

I look forward to meeting you all!!!

Love,

Marc Raben, Secret Ta Gold, Silver Phoenix, and Talos

New Photos of Silver Phoenix

This is me, Silver Phoenix, at 10 months old in Kentucky.....Getting closer to racing :) I should be heading out this fall to start my racing career:)

Stay Tuned!!!

Love,

Silver Phoenix
Best Kept Secret Racing LLC

Secret Ta Gold's New Foal Arrives Finally!!!

The waiting is over.....

Secret Ta Gold gave birth to a beautiful brown colt on March 5th at 4:30 PM. He is named already, and as soon as The Jockey Club approves the name we will post it here with some photos. He is a son of 1994 Kentucky Derby winner Go For Gin. Go for Gin also placed second in the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. He got on his feet more quickly than most foals do, so the farm told us. Both mother and baby are doing wonderful and he should get an opportunity in the next week to go out and stretch those long legs. I will give a big hug to Secret and her new baby boy when I see them next:) Stay tuned for more to come....

Since I don't have any photos of him yet, I have attached a photo of his sire.

With Love,

Marc H. Raben, Secret Ta Gold, & Silver Phoenix
Best Kept Secret Racing LLC

A Wonderful Kentucky Derby & Oaks!!!

Best Kept Secret Racing LLC took a very special girl and her family to the 2010 Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky on May 1st, 2010. We had a wonderful day despite the rain. The weather cleared up like a dream just for the special race. She was one of Secret's former Make-A-Wish children who Secret gave a wish enhancement to. Go For Gin (the sire of Secret's 2011 foal) still holds the fastest Kentucky Derby time of 2 minutes, 3.72 seconds on muddy or sloppy tracks even after the 2010 Derby. We even got a chance to visit Darby Dan Farm and see the sire of Silver Phoenix, Repriced. This is one very special family and Secret sends love and best wishes to her brother who leaves for the Army soon. May he be safe and come back to us very soon. We love you all. Thank you for honoring us with your company. The day was magical because you were there. Keep smiling.

I Am Pregnant!!! Again!!

Howdy!!!

Just wanted to let all of you know that I saw a little heartbeat today and am pregnant again:) My 2011 foal will be out of 1994 Kentucky Derby winner Go For Gin:)

We are all happy and Silver is doing wonderful..... We have a real family now...Stay tuned for my babies at a racetrack near you!!!

Hugs & Kisses,

Secret Ta Gold

The Birth of Silver Phoenix.....

Secret Ta Gold is overjoyed to announce the birth of Silver Phoenix. Her gray filly by Repriced (1988) was born on February 24th, 2010 at 12:15 AM. Marc was there to witness the birth:) Silver is a horse strong of both spirit and stature. Reminds me of someone I know...We will continue the work we started together...the three of us. Please stay tuned for more pictures and posts in the weeks to come....

Love,

Marc H Raben & Secret Ta Gold
Best Kept Secret Racing LLC

My Future by Marc Raben

I would like to share some bittersweet news with you. Secret Ta Gold was everything I could have ever asked for in a race horse. My first horse. She was as fast as a bullet and fought her entire racing career battling ailments and injuries, but most importantly, fighting for respect, which in the end I hope that she gained. She changed my life. She truly is my guardian angel on earth and I cherish every second God allows her to be in my life. My greatest failure to my precious Secret was that I was unable to get her to fully achieve her dreams as a race horse. As a humanitarian and ambassador to the sport of horse racing, she excelled in ways that continue to amaze myself and others every day. She is and was everything I could ever ask for. Therefore, I cannot ask her for any more. She gave everything she had in her tiny little legs and her huge heart. I am officially announcing her retirement from horse racing. She is too precious to myself, others, and to so many wonderful children to take a chance of her getting seriously injured with a return to the race track. She and her offspring will continue what she started, working with children that need a smile as they fight life's more serious battles. Also, the film company that I am working with about her life story insists on a clause in the contract that if the deal goes through that she be retired. We all want her here to see her story in print and on the big screen. The story speaks to all of us, and the idea to never give up and fight every day to achieve our dreams no matter what. No one is too feeble....If we can dream it we can do it. It is the story about a little horse bred in Illinois that showed her heart, love, and fighting spirit to all she came in contact with. Her story speaks to all of us that have ever been told or believed at some point in our lives that we couldn't do something. Yes we can!!! The word rich begins and ends with the fullness of our hearts. We don't need to be a millionaire to make a million dollar difference. With that said.....Please stay tuned for upcoming information on her book and media events forthcoming.

On a lighter note....Secret Ta Gold will be bred in 2010 to Go for Gin. Go for Gin won the 1994 Kentucky Derby (wiring the field) beating Holly Bull and Tobasco Cat, with second places in the Preakness and Belmont. He retired with earnings of $1,380,866. Go for Gin is a half-brother to champion and leading sire Pleasant Tap. From the direct female line of the remarkable foundation mare La Troienne whose descendants have won more classics than any other! Go For Gin is the sire of G1 winner Albert The Great (who sired millionaire and Kentucky Derby runner Nobiz Like Shobiz) who earned $3,012,490. What is most impressive about this match is that the mating gets a A+++ rating, the highest and rarest possible from Werk Thoroughbreds. This match is also very favorable among other nicking systems including True Nicks from Alan Porter. The foal will be a distance horse with great bloodlines. The hooves of a champion and the heart of a champion, all in one foal.....Wow!! I hope that you will continue to follow our little story and see where this strange amazing trip takes us. I promise the ride will be worth the admission. It all started with a dream. Please tell your friends and family to continue to dream with us. Spread the word and let's get more fans and start an awakening. Dreams can become reality. Let me tell you a secret about one I know......

WERK NICK RATINGTM A+++
Go For Gin - Secret Ta Gold
(Based on the GO FOR GIN - MR. PROSPECTOR cross)
*Triple Plus*
Roman Dosage Profile: (7-2-10-2-3)
Dosage Points: 24
D.I.: 1.40 C.D.: 0.33
5-Generation Inbreeding: NEVER BEND - 4f x 5m
Copyright 2009 Werk Thoroughbred Consultants, Inc. All rights reserved
Phone: (510) 490-1111 Fax: (510) 490-4499

Go for Gin (foaled 1991 in Kentucky) is an American Thoroughbred racehorse most well known as the winner of the 1994 Kentucky Derby. He was sired by Cormorant out of the dam Never Knock. For his Derby win, Chris McCarron was his jockey, who had previously won the Kentucky Derby on Alysheba.
Born in Kentucky in 1991, he was bred by Pamela duPont Darmstadt and trained by Nick Zito, who also trained 1991 Kentucky Derby winner Strike the Gold. He ended his racing career with $1,380,866 in earnings.

In 1995, Go for Gin suffered a small tear of a tendon sheath in his left foreleg while working out at Belmont Park. This precipitated his retirement to stud.

Racing history
In total, Go for Gin started 19 races, winning five and running in the money 14 times. Though he challenged for the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, he never achieved a win again, losing nine races after his last victory at the Kentucky Derby.

1994 Kentucky Derby
The 120th Kentucky Derby was held on May 7, 1994 and featured a sloppy track. The race set off at 5:34 p.m. local time. Go for Gin entered the race at 9.10:1 odds, behind Holy Bull at 2.20, Brocco at 4.30, Tabasco Cat at 6.10, and Strodes Creek at 7.90. Go for Gin started by ducking out, forcing Tabasco Cat into Brocco. By the 1/4 mile pole, Go for Gin had reached 2nd place behind Ulises. At the 1/2 mile pole, Go for Gin had captured the lead by half a length. As he entered the stretch, he'd increased the lead to four lengths. Strodes Creek and Blumin Affair both made late charges, closing the gap some but not enough to close. Go for Gin finished with a time of 2:03.72. He won by two lengths, and netted US$628,800 for the victory. Of note, Tabasco Cat finished in sixth place in this race, but went on to win that year's other two legs of the Triple Crown. Go for Gin placed second in both of those races.

Race record at age 2
•Won Remsen Stakes
•Won Maiden
•Won Chief's Crown Stakes
Race Record at age 3
•Won Preview Stakes
•Won Kentucky Derby
•2nd at Preakness Stakes
•2nd at Belmont Stakes
•2nd at Fountain of Youth Stakes
•2nd at Wood Memorial Stakes
•3rd at Forego Stakes
Race record at age 4
•3rd at Churchill Downs Handicap

History at stud
Go for Gin was retired to stud in 1995 at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky. He is the sire of Albert the Great, who retired with lifetime winnings in excess of US$3 million and has sired Nobiz Like Shobiz. His runners have an average US$71,742 per starter. He has sired seven stakes winners. In total, Go for Gin offspring have netted more than US$30 million in career winnings.


Pedigree: Cormorant-Never Knock by Stage Door Johnny

Exciting new updates....

Hey Guys,





Been a long time.....Just wanted to let you know all the exciting events coming up for me:) I will have a very very rough copy of my book in hoof very soon, and am so eager to read the first draft. I am still pregnant and will be giving birth in early 2010 to a beautiful foal by Repriced. After that (and my baby is weaned and I am fit), I will be returning to the race track for some selected races to coincide with my book release. I have some new articles coming out in the next few months about my story and work in various publications. I have also been invited to represent the thoroughbred in a parade of breeds for the Dubois,Wyoming fair next summer. Marc hopes to speak and tell our story. I will also be meeting some special needs children and spending a few days with them. My movie prospects are still very much alive and the production company is coming next month here to meet me, and do some preliminary location scouting in the area where I grew up and raced primarily. Marc has recently been invited to Europe next summer to do a series of speeches about our unconventional journey and story at various venues. We hope to keep telling people to follow their dreams no matter what the cost in life. I am sorry this is so short, but I have to go play now. When more news comes, I will post it here and on my Facebook page. The love I recieve every day from you is astounding. I promise that I will continue to make a difference and try and make changes and reform to horse racing as well. Stay tuned...

Please keep telling your friends and family about me.

I love you!!!!



Secret Ta Gold & Marc Raben


Best Kept Secret Racing LLC
http://www.bestkeptsecretracing.com/

Long Overdue Updates

Hey Fans!!!It's been a while and i wanted to tell you what is new and exciting :) I spent the winter and early spring in Lexington, Kentucky and I loved it.The farm took expert care of me and treated me like a princess.I am now very pregnant and will be giving birth in late January or February. I am very excited to see my half cousin of the great Barbaro come into this world. I returned home last week to my home in Illinois and am still waiting for Marc to come and visit me :) Hint Hint!! On a more exciting note, Marc has found a literary agent for my book earlier this week and we are doing some final re-writes per the agent's request which may take a little time. When this is done the agent will pitch my book to publishing houses to be released. The name of my book will be "My Best Kept Secret- The True Story Of How One Racehorse Turned Dreams Into Solid Gold." Next we can move on to the movie producers phase. It's been a long time coming and I hope that all of you haven't forgotten about me. Stay tuned for more news coming up...but my journey and mission are far from over.

I love you alll!!!

Secret Ta Gold

Secret Ta Gold

We just wanted to let everyone know that Secret Ta Gold was confirmed in foal and pregnant to Repriced yesterday. More exciting news so stay tuned.......

Love,

Marc Raben

Best Kept Secret Racing LLC

http://www.bestkeptsecretracing.com/

Updates, Updates, Updates

Hello All!!!

I wanted to just say hi and let you know that Secret Ta Gold is doing great. I saw her on March 7th and she is so happy and beautiful. She is at a new farm in Lexington, Kentucky. Secret is ready to be bred and will be sent to Darby Dan Farm on Tuesday to be bred to Repriced:) Please check out a new article on her at http://www.truecowboymagazine.com/ (Pgs 52-55). Her book is done and we are expecting a 2010 release date. There are bigger projects on the horizion that I will reveal shortly as as they are confirmed. I will let you know as more articles and press comes with all the updates on the status of the Best Kept Secret Racing LLC's plans. Please find new pictures and a new video that were taken on March 7th, 2009.

Love,

Marc Raben

Best Kept Secret Racing LLC

http://www.bestkeptsecretracing.com/

Letter from Secret Ta Gold...Exciting Updates

Hi all!!!

I am still in Lexington and lovin it:) I will be ready to be a mommy soon I hope! I will have my date with my new boyfriend Repriced very soon. I was so excited to hear from Marc about all the exciting adventures coming up. I love you all. I have read all the beautiful wall posts on my site and they bring a tear to my eye (I do have a labtop in my stall you know, every girl needs one) I would hug, kiss, and meet all of you if I could. I hope to someday. Please continue to tell your friends about me so we can try together to make a difference and shout it loud and clear to the racing industry that we must embrace my brothers and sisters that are at the race track right now trying to do great things for the sport. Just because they aren't on the "derby trail", dosen't mean they dont matter or aren't making an impact. It is just an impact in a different way. They are worth talking and writing about too. It makes me so sad that even in my retirement, I am still being discrimated against by the "self imposed" racing "experts". I've tried for my whole career to make a positive difference in the lives of so many people.These people don't even know me or my career, struggles and work with my children. But I stand up tall as I have my entire career to these simple minded, self serving people. Come a little closer....please.....I will give you a nice hoof on your booty:) Marc has finished his book about our lives together. He is just doing final edits. I have heard it is quite special and heartwarming. Marc has told me we might have to hit the Witness Protection Program after it is published due to the harsh realities about the racing industry that I faced, but I told him to send them to me and I will take care of them! I also am going to be in a few more magazines and publications over the next few months. Marc also is going to be on the radio in LA telling my story to horse lovers alike next month. Whew!!! Can someone get me an Evian water? A carrot wouldnt hurt either;) Marc is heading to New York at the end of this month for a second interview and meeting with a major movie production company and producers that are interested in putting my story on film. I am quite flattered as well petrified as I hear that on film you gain 30 pounds:(. I need to do some more running!!! Does my ass look big in this blanket? LOL.

Well gotta run.....

Love you all so much.....

XOXO

Secret Ta Gold

http://www.bestkeptsecretracing.com/

More Stuff:)

Hi there:)
Each and every one of you is so special to us. We would like to take a moment to personally thank every one you for your loyalty and support. We promise to make you continue to smile when you hear or see the name of Secret Ta Gold. You have made her the happiest filly in the world. Thank you for helping us tell the racing industry that she mattered:) Our voices are being heard and the racing industry will have to listen to us!!! If they ignore us...well.....that's their problem!! They will have no choice soon with all the exciting huge projects in the works. They are afraid to tell or hear her story because it may be controversial and make them "look bad." Well that's what we call fear and "selective" reporting. We will tell my story for her..what ya think? :) Change only happens when we open our eyes. We are starting to open their eyes.!!! And it's all because of you :)I love you with all my heart!!!

Love,

Marc Raben

http://www.bestkeptsecretracing.com/

Major Announcements

Hello!!!


We wish to thank all of you for your unwavering support. We have some exciting news. We will be breeding our little Secret this year. She will be bred around March 1st, 2009 to Repriced (1988), winner of $288,412 at the track. The Roberto line is almost dead with only one other stallion left that is a direct decendent. Roberto (1969) was a sire of sires and one of the greatest race horses (Epsom Derby Winner), and stallions in the history of racing and breeding. Her baby will have clean blood (no inbreeding) and have alot of bone and mass as Repriced stands over 17 hands tall:) We are breeding her using the best cross of her grandfather, Mr. Prospector and Roberto. This cross has produced Barbaro, Rock Hard Ten, Kicken Kris, Film Maker, Lear's Princess, Hollywood Wildcat, Pine Island, Roativa, Dr. Fong, Riskaverse, and so many other Grade I winners. The Roberto line produces solid, sound race horses. Repriced has a 13% stakes winner per starter ratio. He has a 80% percent start ratio and a 55% win ratio from his foals. With her speed, and his size and clean blood, her baby will something to marvel at; we hope. She will just have to take it easy as this is her first baby:)


Our web site will be launched around February 6th, 2009 and Marc is 90 percent finished with his book on Secret Ta Gold.


There are some exciting media events coming up, and as soon they are confirmed, we will write a post.



Thanks again for the support.


Stay Tuned:)


Marc Raben
Best Kept Secret Racing, LLC

Updates and more updates.....

Hello All,


I just wanted to let you know that we just got a call from the Jockey Club in Lexington, KY and it is official!! Secret Ta Gold's name will be pensioned for all time. This was due to her heart, talent, courage, spirit, inspiration and being such a great ambassador of the horse racing industry for her entire career. This a great honor they have bestowed on my little filly that was born in Illinois and fought so hard her entire life. This just reminds us of what great things we can do when our backs are against the wall and keep a dream alive. I write this to you because without your support, the world would not know about my little "Secret". All the positive people in her life have allowed her to make the difference that she did on so many people. Secret is such a special horse, and I believe I could breed horses until I am 95 and never have a horse with the class and quality of our little filly. We also have some exciting things coming up. I encourage you to watch her video's and see the impact she continues to make. www.bestkeptsecretracing.com is in the works and should be launched on February 6th, 2009. Secret has an event on May 16th (her fifth birthday) that we expect over 250 people will attend including her Wish children. We hope you will attend. Marc is 70% done with her book and will be reading from it at the event.

Stay tuned for more media and press updates in the works.......

I just wanted to say we couldn't have done any of this without you.

My little filly made a difference...thats all I can ask for. And she will continue to......

Love, Marc & Secret Ta Gold
Best Kept Secret Racing LLC

Happy New Year!!!/

Hi Guys and Gals!!!

As the clock approaches the end of one year and the beginning of another, I feel compelled to write you with some of my thoughts.This has been a very special and also sad year for me. I got to meet so many beautiful children. My baby sister Woodland Fauna was born this year. I also was retired as a race horse this year. My mother Hopeful Game passed away this year as well:( I can promise you that my journey is not complete and I will continue to make a difference in any way I can. That is my resolution to you. We will have my book in 2009, my website, and maybe more bigger projects as things progress. As I write you this from my labtop in my stall, I smile. I smile because of all of you who have been constant supporters of me and my cause. I hope I made a difference and that I was able to show the race horse industry that I am your champion. A champion just like you. Let's join hands together and tell them that I mattered, and not let them forget me. One smile from a child makes this world a better place. I wish all of you much success and happiness in 2009. I wish that all your dreams you could ever dream will become a reality. I hope that you find your secret to gold and it fills your heart with as much joy as I hold inside me. I love you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

With Love,

Secret Ta Gold

Best Kept Secret Racing LLC
Marc Raben

Excerpt from Secret Ta Gold's Book

MY BEST KEPT SECRET

THE TRUE STORY OF HOW ONE RACE HORSE TURNED DREAMS INTO SOLID GOLD

Please join me and let me tell you about my most special dream, one that became a reality and made me never forget that you can accomplish anything in this world if you just believe that it is possible. Dreams are the combination of reality and a make believe world that we can all live in if we believe. There were many diverse roads that led me to this place and this time. Happy endings are subjective depending on the day of the week and the person you choose to ask. The happiness lies in the smiles, tears and the impact made. This is the story about a horse that would not give up no matter what life threw at her. This is the story of the special people we met along the journey, the good and the bad that helped shape this dream into true reality. This is the story of horse that shared her inner and outward struggles with sick children facing similar obstacles. This is the story of how pure gold shines when it is polished. This is her story….

Secret Ta Gold

We hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. We have some new exciting things coming up that we wanted to share with you. Look for our new website in the coming months http://www.bestkeptsecretracing.com/. Marc is also working day and night on a book about our first racehorse Secret Ta Gold, and we are currently working with some film companies on the West Coast about a movie on Secret's life and story.

Thanks for your love and support.

Marc Raben